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Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: "The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for foreign students because of our proud international reputation for excellence and we need that to continue.

No matter how this is dressed up, the damaging message that the UK deports foreign students studying at UK universities will reach all corners of the globe.

"Foreign students bring in billions of pounds every year, but the benefits are not merely financial.

"UK students profit enormously from exchange programmes with foreign universities and also through mixing with, and working alongside, students studying here."

Immigration minister Damian Green said London Metropolitan University was "very, very deficient" sponsor because more than a quarter of students sampled were studying there when they did not have permission to stay in the country.

A "significant proportion" of students did not have a good standard of English and there was no proof that half of those sampled were turning up to lectures, he added.

"Any one of those breaches would be serious. We found all three of those breaches at London Metropolitan.

"I'm not chucking anyone out, we have actually set up a task force to make sure genuine students can stay in the country" he said.

Here is some usefulinformation, if you are a student facing visa problems:

If you have already paid a deposit to the institution which has had its sponsor licence withdrawn you will need to contact them directly to request any refund you are entitled to. You should not attempt to enter the UK on this visa.

If your institution has closed the UKBA will write to you and shorten your leave. Make sure the UKBA always has your current address.

Your permission to stay will be shortened to 60 days from the date on the letter from the UKBA. You must leave the UK or find an alternative institution within that time.

More than 2000 students at London Metropolitan University could face ejection from the country after the Government stripped it of its right to admit foreigners.

The university has had its Highly Trusted Status for sponsoring international students revoked and will no longer be allowed to authorise visas, according to the institution's website.

The move could mean more than 2000 students being deported within 60 days unless they find another sponsor, according to the National Union of Students.

Universities Minister David Willetts announced the formation of a task force last night to help overseas students affected by the decision.

He said: "It is important that genuine students who are affected through no fault of their own are offered prompt advice and help, including, if necessary, with finding other institutions at which to finish their studies.

"We are asking Higher Education Funding Council for England and Universities UK to lead a task force, which will include UK Border Agency and the NUS,

to work with London Metropolitan University to support affected students and enable them to continue their studies in the UK. The task force will start work immediately."

London Metropolitan University may become the first in Britain to be banned from educating foreign students, according to reports.

The University has previously been allowed to sponsor visas, but authorities no longer trust it to monitor its students and ensure they don't become illegal immigrants.

It means that around 2,600 students from outside the European Union will have 60 days to find places on other courses at a different institution, or they will be asked to leave the country.

However a Boarder Agency spokesperson said: "We have not made a decision yet.”

They added: "Any education provider has to meet strict standards, ensuring they provide high quality education, and take their immigration responsibilities seriously. We will not tolerate any abuse of the immigration system.”